Talk of new library continues

The Porterville Library and Literacy Commission today will continue discussion of a new library building.

At its last meeting Feb. 12, the seven-member commission charged with recommending library policy to the Porterville City Council discussed site selection and received a presentation from Julie Phillips, the city’s economic development manager.

According to the meeting minutes, Phillips reported that site selection was not fruitful without funding because availability of sites changes frequently. One commissioner suggested rebuilding or remodeling the current building as opposed to constructing a new one. Phillips said that building a library in the downtown area at the size specified in a needs assessment report prepared in 2009, would require a full block and that those blocks have existing businesses. Another commissioner mentioned the idea of moving the library from the downtown area to a place like the north end of Murry Park. Even if funds were available for purchasing land, it would take about nine months to a year for the planning process, the minutes state.

Today, the commission will continue the discussion, specifically funding and property and site selection criteria and is expected to determine what steps to take next, according to today’s agenda.

The commission is set to meet at 5:30 p.m. today in the Local History Room located on the second floor of the Porterville City Library, 41 W. Thurman Ave.

To view today’s agenda in its entirety, visit http://www.ci.porterville.ca.us/govt/BoardsandCommissions/libraryboardoftrustees.cfm.